Machine for assembling spoked wheels.



w. N. BOOTH.

MACHiNE FOR'ASSEMBLING SPOKED WHEELS.

APPLICATION "FED APR. 15| IQIB. 1,295,63. Patented Feb.25, 1919.

SI 4 SHEETS-SHEET I.

moeutoz w. N. BOOTH. MACHINE FOR ASSEMBUNG SPOKED WHEELS.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 15, I918.

Patented Feb. 25, 1919.

4 SHEETSQSHEEI 2.

awuemtoz jfv'adm 72 500% W. N. BOOTH.

MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING SPOKED WHEELS.

APPLICATION FILED APR. I5. 1918.

4 SHEETSSHEET 3- )fa'ZZz'am 7?. 45002171 W. N. BOOTH. MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING SPOKED WHEELS.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 15. 1918.

Patented Feb. 25, 1919.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

jfiizz/dm/ 72. fiooi/e WILLIAM N. BOOTH, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

MACHINE FOR ASSEMBLING SPOKED WHEELS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 25, 1919.

Application filed April 15, 1918. Serial No. 228,686.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM: N. BOOTH, a citizen of the United States offjAmerica, residing at Detroit, in the county of Wayne and State of Michigan, have invented cer tain new and useful Improvements in Machines for Assembling Spoked -Wheels, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

The invention relates to the manufacture of wheels comprising a series of wooden spokes and wooden felly sections which are pressed into engagement with a metallic rim. It is the object of the present invention to obtain a machine in which the work of assembly is expeditiously and accurately performed and which has various features of advantage as hereinafter set forth.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a central section through the machine partly in elevation;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof;

Fig. 3 is a sectional plan View; and

Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the several steps in the operation of the machine.

A is the frame of a mechanical press, B is the bed or table -therefor, C is a reciprocatory plunger, D a cross head for carrying .the plunger, E pitman rods on opposite sides of the machine for actuating the cross head, F cranks for actuating the pitman rods and G the cranl ,-shaft,all of any suitable construction. Upon the bed B is mounted a frame member H centrally recessed to receive the wheel to be assembled and provided with a series of radial guides H for clamping jaw members I. The latter are preferably positioned to aline with the spokes of the wheel to be assembled and have their inner ends arc-shaped to engage the periphery of the felly. The members I are simultaneously actuated in a radial direction by an intermittently which as shown comprises a. master gearwheel J arranged below the bed, a ser es of pinions K in mesh therewith and a series of shafts L on which said pinions are mounted, passing upward through 7 member H and provided at their upper ends with a cam or eccentric L engaging a trans; versely-slidable bearing block- M in the aw member I.' The arrangement is such that whenever the gear-wheel J is in rotation the pinions K will be simultaneously and correoperating mechanism,

bearings L in the spondingly revolved, effecting a revolution of the shafts L, which in turn, actuating through the medium of the transverselysliding blocks M will actuate the jaw members I radially.

It is essential to the operation of the machine that the jaw members I, after being moved radially inward to clamp the felly and spokes, should dwell in this position during the operation of pressing the felly into the rim. This result is accomplished by providing an intermittently operating mechanism for the gear-wheel J, so timed as to impart to each of the pinions a onelialf revolution and carry the cam or eccentric from its outer to its inner limit of thrust. I preferabl employ a well-known Geneva movement or intermittently actuating the gear-wheel J, and, as shown, N is a star-wheel rotating with the gear-wheel J, having radial slots N therein and concave bearings N in its periphery intermediate said slots. 0 are cranks mounted on vertical shafts O journaled in bearings onopposite sides of the frame, said shafts being actuated through Wheels P P from the mainshaft G. The cranks'O are provided with roller crankpins 0 for fitting within the radial slots N and are further provided with locking segments 0 for engaging the peripheral notches N of the star-wheel. In the operation of this mechanism the continuous rotation of the cranks 0 will cause the roller crank-pins O to engage the radial slots N and actuate the star-wheel N. through a segment equal to the throw of the crank. As

the roller 0 leaves its engagement from the slot N, the segment 0 interlocks with the concave bearingN thereby holding the star-wheel stationary while the crank is passing through one-half a revolution and into engagement with the next succeeding slot N. Thus during the continuous rotation of the crank the star-wheel is ,moving substantially one-half the time and is Sta-- tionary the other half.

Arranged centrally within the recess in the frame member H is a worksu-pporting table or platen Q. This is provided with a shank Q vertically, slidably mounted in a bearin in the bed B and connected by a rod R having a slotted yoke R embracing the shaft G to a iston R in a pneumatic cylinder R. A similar pneumatic cylinder S is mounted upon the cross-head D, the piston S being connected to .a rod Swhich passes centrally through the plunger C. At the lower end of the rod S is a flat bearing head S with a central downwardly-project pm S at the inner end thereof. At the completion of theinward movement the cranks O and roller pinsO are in a position to disengage ,from the star-wheel, whilethe lock- 65 ing segments will engage with notches N,

locking said star-wheel from movement in any direction. During all of the movements thus far described the cranks F are rotating and through the medium of the pitman'rods ing pin S en'gageable with an aperture Q E are actuating the cross-heads D and plunin the platen Q'. The parts are 'so arranged ger C in a downward direction. Suflicient that the pressure upon the pistons S and R clearance is provided between the flange C is in opposite directions so that the work of the head C andthe work, so that all of will be clamped between the plate S and the movements thus far described can take 10 platen Q, but the pressure in the cylinder R place before the flange'C? comes in contact which is of greater diameter, will be in eX- with the felly of the Wheel.- When, however cess of that in the cylinder S, so that the this occurs, the further downward movement parts will normally be heldwith the platen of the plunger will press the telly sections Q in its raised position. out of engagement with the jaws I and into 15 Theplunger C has mounted thereon a engagementpwith the metallic rim which is head C with a depending annulanflange C in registration therewith. Thus without reiforbearing upon the felly of the wheel. leasing the radial clamping pressure the Thus, whenevefthe'cross head D 15 lowered felly sections are foreed into engagement by the operation of the cranks F and pitma-n with the rim.

20 rods E, the head-C and flange C Wlll press 'It is very essential to hold the spokes in the wheel downward a-gain t h .I' l their proper plane during the. movements of the platen Q and the pneumatic pressure above described so as to prevent forming an in the cylinder R. In the complete operaimproperly dished wheel. This is effected tion of the machine the parts are initially 'inby the opposed pressures of the pneumatic 25 the position shown in Fig. 1, where thecylinders R and S, which press the head S platen Q is at the upper limit of Its moveand platen Q a ainst opposite sides of the ment. The operator first places the metallic spoks' with su icient force to hold them wheel rim in' the recess in ,the member-H, straight.- During the downward movement where it will engage the guide bearings H of the plunger 0 the cylinder S is carried 30 for holding it concentric with the axis of the downward therewith, but this will not displunger. The wheel sections are then placed 'tur'b the clamp, for the piston S is free to upon the platen Q, these preferably comprlstravel in the cylinder and the pneumatic ing two semi-circular, felly sections with rapressure against the piston Rbeing in excess dial spokes in enga ement therewith, and the of that against the piston S, the position of 35 position of the wor sup orted on the platen the platen is undisturbed. ,When the flange is such as to bring the elly sections 1n the C comes in contact with the felly-the downplane of the clamping jaws I. Pneumatlc ward mechanical pressure is sufficient to pressure is then supplied to the cylinder S overcome the pneumatic pressure in the cylso as to move the rod S downward carrying inder R so that the platen will be forced 40 the head S into contact with the upper face downward, the same pneumatic clamping of the inner end portions of the spokes, pressure on opposite sides of the spokes bewhile the pin S, which is sli htl tapered, ing maintained. At the completion of the will be forced into engagemen Wit the ends downward movement and when the telly is of the spokes. The operating mechanism for fully engaged with the metallic rim, pneu- 45 the ress is then tripped, which will start the maticv pressure in the cylinder R is exsha G in rotation. During the initial hausted, this being accomplished automatimovement of this shaft the cranks O, which cally or by the manual operation of a relief, are driven through the medium of the bevel valve. As a consequence when the plunger gear-wheels P P and shafts 0, will actuate C and head C are elevated the platen Q will 50 the star-wheel N, thereby rotating the gearremain in its lowered position, but may be wheel J and all of the pinions K in mesh raised to disengage the completed wheel by therewith. This movement Will continue unthe re-admission of air into the cylinder R til the eccentrics L in cooperation with the VVhat I claim as my invention is: transversely sliding blocks M, will move the A machine for assembling wheels com- 56 jaws I radially-inward to the inner limit'of prising means for clamping complementarytheir movement. The jaws W'illithus be spoked felly sections vin a common plane, brought in contact with the periphery of the means for radially compressing said felly felly sections, and in the further movement sections while clamped in said plane, and will press these sections radially inward means operating subsequent to the radial 80 a ainst the resistanceof the spokes and the compression for pressing said felly sections laterally into a rim.

2. A machine for assembling wheels com:

prising means for clamping complementary spoked felly sections in a common plane and around a central abutment, means for circular series of segmental for moving said clamping jaws radially memes compressing said felly sections radially opposite the spokes and against said central abutment, and means for laterally pressing said felly 'sections out of engagement with said radial compression means into engagement\with a rim.

3. A machine for assembling wheels comrising means for clamping complementary spoked telly sections in a common plane around a central abutment,-a series of radially movable segmental jaws for embracing said felly sections in registration with the spokes thereof, means for actuatingsaid jaws to compress said felly sections and spokes against said central abutment, and means for laterally moving said felly sections and clamping means out of engagement with saidsegmental jaws and into a mm.

4. A machine prising a platen for supporting complementary spoked felly sections, a coiiperating clamping plate for holding said spoked felly sections in a common plane, a circular series of segmental jawsl-forembracing said felly sections in registration with the spokes thereof when clamped on saidplaten, means for" moving said jaws radially inward-to compress the felly sections and spokes, means for supporting a rim for the wheel in concentric registration with said series of radial 'jaws, and. means for pressing said felly sections and clamping means out of engagement with said jaws and into engagement with said rim.--

5. A machine for assembling wheels comprising means for clamping complementary spokedzfelly sections in a commonplane, a

clamping aws said clamping means, means inand in the plane of ward to compress said felly sections, means for pressing the compressed sections and clamping means therefor laterally out of engagement wlth said segmental j aw's and into engagement with a rim.

I p s 6. A machine for assembling wheels com-.

prisinga bed or table recessed to receive a wheel. rim, a circular serles of segmental jaws'radially movable on said bed or table in a'plane above said recess, a platen yieldably positioned to support complementary the plane of said 'aws'above said rim, a cotiperating clamping means for pressing said clamping plate against the spoked felly sections with a force insufficient to move said yieldable platen, and means sections and clamping plate to 'force the same laterally against the resistance of said platen to forcethe felly sections out of engagement with ment with said rim.

7. ha machine for assembling wheels% the combination with a circular series 0 pressing said spoked 'felly sections with a force insufiicient for assembling wheels com- -matic means, and means clamped felly sections against the supportfelly tions and clamping means for engaging said telly said jaws. and into engagecompressing. means radially movable jaws and. means for actuating the same, of pneumatic means for clamping complementary spoked felly sections in the plane of said jaws and holding the same during radial compression movement, a seat for a rim concentric with said jaws, and mechanical meansv forpressing said telly sections andpneumatic clamping means therefor out of engagement with said jaws and into engagement with said rim.

8. In a machine for assembling wheels the combination with a platen for supporting complementary spoked felly sections, of pneumaticrmearis for yieldably holding said platen in a predetermined plane, a coiiperating clamping plate, pneumatic means for clamping plate against the to overcome the supporting force forsaid laten, means for radially compressing said elly sections while clamped by said pneufor pressing the ing pressure for said platen out of engagement with said radial compression means and into engagement with a rim.

9. A'machine for assembling wheels comprising a platen for supporting complemenv tary spoked felly sections, pneumatic means for yieldably supporting said platen in a predetermined plane, below the plane of said platen, means for pneumatically clamping said spoked felly sections upon said platen with a force insuflicient to depress the platen, means for radially compressing said clamped spoked felly sections, means for 'laterally moving said clamped felly sections against the supporting pressure of said platen out of ena plate for enportions of said s okes and clamping the same against said pl means-for applying radial outward pressure to the inner ends of said 5 okes 4 while clamped on said platen, means or applying radial inwardgressure upon said felly sections against t e outward pressure on said s okes, and means for forcing said telly seclaterally out of engagement with the radial inward compressing means and into engagement'with a rim.

11. The combination, with an intermittently reciprocated press, of means for yieldabl supporting complementary spoked fel y sections in the path of said reciprocating press, and intermittently operated radial timed to operate alter a seat for a wheel rim said radial compression.

10. A machine for assembling wheels comprising a platen for supporting compl'emen-" tary spoked felly sectlons, gaging the central aten,

the intermittent movement of said jaws, a

platen for supporting complementary spoked felly sections in the'plane of said jaws, cooperating clamping means for said sections on said platen, and a member actuated by said reciprocating plunger for engaging said fel'ly sections, clamping means and platen and forcing the same laterally out of engagement with said radial jaws and into engagement with a rim.

13. The combination with alternately operating radial compression means and ver tical reciprocating means, of a platen for supporting complementary spoked felly sections in the plane of said radial compression means, pneumatic means for supporting said platen, a pneumatically operated clamping plate for clamping said sections against said platen with a force insufficient to overcome the pneumatic support for said platen, and

means actuated by said reciprocating means subsequent to the operation of said radial compression means for forcing the compressed felly sections against the resistance of said platen into engagement with the rim.

14. The combination with means for radially compressing complementary spoked felly sections, of a platen for supporting the felly sections in the plane of said radial compression means, a pneumatic support for said platen, pneumatic clamping means for said sections upon said platen having insutlicient pressure to depress said platen, and mechanically operated means for forcing the compressed felly sections out of engagement with said radial compression means and against the resistance of said platen into engagementwith a rim.

15. The combination with means for holding complementary spoked felly sections in the same plane, of a central pin or abutment for the inner ends of the spokes, means for radially compressing the felly sections and spokes against the resistance of said abutment, and means for forcing the compressed felly sections out of engagement with said radial compression means into engagement with the rim.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

WILLIAM N. BOOTH. 

